Gordon vows not to be a problem

Personally, I think Ben Gordon will be making a huge mistake if he passes on the long-term deal the Bulls have offered him (believed to be approaching $58 million over six years) to sign the one-year, $6.4 million qualifying offer, but the fifth-year guard made it clear Monday night that he won't be a problem regardless of whether he gets the kind of contract he believes he deserves.

The deadline for Gordon to accept the qualifying offer is Wednesday, so he said he will wait until then before making a final decision.

Since he is unsigned, Gordon could have skipped Monday night's media day and Tuesday's two practice sessions. But he showed up at the Berto Center Monday night and said he will be at both practices Tuesday.

Of course, Gordon could sign either deal in time to get on the court for the first practice, but since the sides are still talking, he believes it prudent to wait.

"That's pretty much the deadline I've set for myself," he said. "That's when I plan on making my decision. I'll wait until Wednesday."

When it was suggested that some believe he might cause problems if he doesn't get the deal he wants, Gordon seemed a bit offended.

"Why would anybody get that impression?" he said. "One of the things I've learned in the NBA is that you can't control what anybody thinks. All I can do is continue to be professional, and that's why I'm here today, that's why I'll be in practice tomorrow with all my teammates, even if I'm not going to practice.
"The people who really understand me see what kind of a person I am."

Is there anybody in the Bulls organization who has been totally honest with Ben, maybe he is a 6'2 shooting guard who can only shoot? Hell even his agent couldn't find a trade partner. The Bulls are offering him a very fair deal. I agree it would be absurd not to take it.